22nd Sedona Arts Festival Features 125 Juried Artists From 20 States

It’s back for its 22nd year — the Sedona Arts Festival. Whether this is your umpteenth time visiting the festival or you’re first, the Sedona Arts Festival will feature 125 artists, both returning and new, as well as some special guests.

Attendees can browse work in various mediums, such as ceramics, fiber art, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, sculpture and wood. Returning artists include Best of Show winners Mark and Karen Klay of Klay Fine Art from Oro Valley, Kim Obrzut from Peoria (sculpture), Jenny Kerr of Pine Needle Creations from Phoenix (fiber art), and photographer Susan Byrd from Scottsdale.

As for special guests? They include husband-and-wife team Lila Silveira and Carlos Carrillo, ceramic artists from the Mexican village of Mata Ortiz, where Juan Quezada restored, reinvented and refined a culturally historic process that disappeared after the 14th century that Quezada rediscovered in the 1970s. Silveira and Carrillo are second-generation Mata Ortiz artists and learned from Quezada. They will be holding demonstrations at the Mata Ortiz tent during the festival.

“Our hallmark is our ability to attract the best juried, professional artists working in mediums that appeal to virtually every taste,” said Executive Director Lori Reinhart. “Adding the incredible works of Mata Ortiz artists really takes the whole experience to the next level.”

Silveira and Carrillo also will be available to answer questions at a screening of “The Renaissance of Mata Ortiz,” a documentary on contemporary Mexican art and culture at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Screenings are scheduled at 4 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 11, and 6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 13.

But that’s not it. The Festival will also feature a Kidzone, an interactive, safe and creative environment for kids 12 and under to create their own masterpieces; as well as a raffle and the Gourmet Gallery featuring locally produced and packaged food items. Returning guests can also expect a revised configuration of booths to provide easier access and viewing for patrons and greater visibility for the artists.

Supporting art education in the greater Sedona area, the Sedona Arts Festival has donated nearly $300,000 in scholarships and grants to Verde Valley artists and students since 1989. The $10 entry fee supports the Festival’s Scholarship and Arts Education Programs. $1 coupons are also available at area businesses and hotels.